Bharat Heritage Organization’s “tour to temples of America” brings in the festive aura of our rich Bharat Heritage to our kids Kids over the age of 7 are welcome to register. Each temple tour brings in its unique flair while learning interesting facts and trivia about the Hinduism, about the temple architecture, significance of the traditional rituals like coconut breaking, applying the ash on forehead, significance of pooja and tradition, deity Alankaram , prasad offering and Arati. Archana and Arati will be performed by the priest during your visit. This is a Dharmic initiative to bring the next generation appreciate and value our Sanatana dharma. Hope this tour provides an enriching and enhancing experience to the kids. Also please ask about volunteering opportunities for this Yatra Program. BHO will provide volunteer hours for youth.
Temple website link
Location
615 S Beck Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
History, Importance & Significance of Temple
2009 was the year where we identified and signed lease for the present place we call home for the SVK Temple. After extensive search around valley the current place in Tempe was chosen. One of the key factors in choosing this location was its accessibility to all the devotees whether you come from North, South or any other direction in valley. With proximity to airport, downtown Phoenix, equal distance from North, South and East valley suburbs this was an ideal location. After going through all the legal and other formalities, an auspicious day was chosen and the deities were moved from Chandler location with all the religious ceremonies associated with such a move.
With a place now we call home, SVK Temple took the next step in expansion of religious services. It was decided by Sri. Swamiji that Phoenix temple should expand from Utsava Moorthies to stone carved idols of deities with Lord Venkatesha being the presiding deity. Thus, started the next phase. This was a humongous task and by no means a simple one. With extensive support from Valley community both in terms of time and money the temple authorities started work on expansion. As fate would ordain, an idol of Lord Venkatesha destined for East Coast in US was donated by a generous devotee for installation at Phoenix. This was a total surprise for everyone and we had to get the necessary infrastructure built up to house Lord.
As a visionary like Swamiji would have it, he wanted devotees to have one place where they could worship God. Thus, along with Lord Venkatesha he also ordered statues of Mahalakshmi, Lord Hanuman, Lord Garuda, Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathi and Navagrahas to be housed in the temple.
On an auspicious day in the month of June 2011 all the idols were consecrated with complete religious rituals. We had priests coming from India to participate in this auspicious event. Devotees in large numbers contributed towards this effort. This was a weeklong event with various religious ceremonies, cultural events, etc. Devotees to this day rejoice the ceremonies. Swamiji with Sri. Prasannachar and ably supported by Head Priest Kiranji ensured that event was executed in a flawless manner. Swamiji addressed the gathering of devotees everyday with Ashirvachana.
Temple Pictures
- Knowledge on 3 Main Hindu Gods – Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva
- Stories of Sri Krishna, Sri Venkateshwara
- Festival of Krishna Jayanthi
- Dasavatharam of Vishnu
- Question & Answer session
Kids Fun Activities
- Learn a fun tradition activity – tying flower garland, putting rangoli patterns, making chandan paste etc
- Circle time – learn and sing Bhajan while playing a game, Dance with Music
- Learn to celebrate Krishna Jayanthi
- BHO Books : Story time reading Amar Chitra Katha Books
Tour Timings
Maximum Participants for each tour
Food Prasadam
Temple Video
This yatra program aims to source funds to the temples to offset the temple expenses and operational costs for BHO to support this Yatra program.. Your generous donation will help bring a sustaining revenue model to the temple which our next generation is getting enriched. BHO is registered to receive corporate matching grants. You can request a match via your corporate matching grant program.